Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz will seek a third term in 2026

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (DFL) has officially launched his reelection bid for 2026, where he will seek a third term in office.

Walz posted a campaign video on X on Tuesday morning, where he touched on the rise of political violence and divisiveness in America in recent years.

I’m running for reelection to continue serving as Governor of Minnesota.

We’ve made historic progress in our state, but we’re not done yet. I’m staying in the fight — and I need you with me. pic.twitter.com/NsVCXfq4M2

— Tim Walz (@Tim_Walz) September 16, 2025

Walz is expected to call a special session to pass more gun control measures in wake of the death of Minnesota DFL House Leader Melissa Hortman, who was assassinated alongside her husband in June. Walz renewed his efforts after conservative commentator Charlie Kirk was assassinated in Utah last week.

“I hope we can get an agreement ahead of time,” Walz told reporters last week. “But I made it very clear in there I will call the special session one way or another … This special session is going to focus on firearms.”

During Walz’s tenure, he has also overseen significant legislative packages that delivered policies including free school meals, guaranteed paid sick leave, voting rights expansion and affordable housing.

Walz could face former state Sen. Scott Jensen (R) in what would be a rematch from 2022, where Walz defeated him by 7.7 percentage points (192,408 votes).

Minnesota governors can run for an unlimited number of terms, but Gov. Orville Freeman (DFL) is currently the most recent person to serve more than two, serving three terms from 1955 to 1961 (gubernatorial terms were two years long until 1963.)